2007.09.27 PC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Planning Commission Minutes — September 27, 2007 Page 2 There were no other comments and Schumann closed the public hearing. Weidt made motion, Bailly seconded, to recommend approval of the minor subdivision for Thomas and Alicia Sathre. Ayes: Bailly, McRoberts, Moore, Schumann, Weidt Abstain: Kleissler Motion carried. Open Space Preservation Ordinance The Planning Commission held a public hearing to consider revisions to the Open Space Preservation Ordinance. The City Council had requested the Planning Commission hold a public hearing and make a recommendation on a simplified revised version that allowed up to 8 units per 40 acres with fewer restrictions than had been previously considered. The CDD provided background to the Commission on previously revised versions of the ordinance and the most recent public hearing the City Council held to solicit input from the community on the ordinance. He explained some of the major criticisms of the ordinance included the ordinance was too complicated, too much density, lots too small, and too many regulations. The simplified version required PUD approval and 50% open space. It also allowed for 80' setbacks from interior lot lines and 100' from the perimeter property lines as well as common driveways, which could bring about issues with driveway maintenance and possible future assessments for road improvements. Bailly asked if agreements could be written in advance regarding the common driveways, and about the ownership of the open space. The CDD said the City had the ability to deviate from the assessment policy, and it would need to be addressed on a case by case basis. Conservation easements would be dedicated to the City and a third party easement holder. Ownership would be dedicated as part of the approval process. Steve Wlaschin, 7755 125th Street North, asked why only 8 lots were being proposed and not twelve, and he asked about private drives. Bear said discussion at the Council meeting had suggested the density could be lower if the cost of the project went down. Private drives could be used in combination with driveways or even a gated road. Victoria Hoffbeck, 8110 1201h Street, said that no one had received a copy of the new version, and she asked if a third party easement would be in the form of a trust or something else. The CDD pointed out the revised ordinance was posted on the website and copies were made available in the room. He said a third party easement holder would simply have to be one agreeable to the City. According to the proposed ordinance, it would not have to be a trust.